The 2016 Official Schwantz Baseball League Bylaws
1. BASIC RULES
a. OVERVIEW
The SBL was formed in 1988 and plays a full schedule of 162 games. Division alignments depend on
locations of franchises and are subject to change from time to time. The schedule will be sent out at the
start of each season. You must play your games in the order they appear on the schedule! You will be
scheduled to play 81 games on your computer, made up of both home and away games. This will allow you
to see your team play in different parks, and let you plan different strategies. You will get the chance to bat
first, and bring in your closer for the top of the ninth rather than just playing in your home park for every
game. There are a lot of possibilities and it should prove interesting! Just remember that your games will be
highlighted on the schedule you receive. Your opponent will play non-highlighted games.
Each roster will be made up of veterans, rookies, and prospects for a total of up to 40 players. You must
sign at least 30 players [Mar 2006] who are eligible to play in an SBL game, 25 on your active roster, and 5
players on your minor league roster. You may sign up to 10 more players and place them in your minors.
Of the remaining 10 players, up to 5 may be prospects. As in real baseball, you will need to be concerned
with free agency, trading, and cultivating talent. Each team has a farm system to watch over. This farm
system will be the main source of your rookies. You may also draft prospects from free farm systems and
trade for them from other teams.
Games can be played in one of three ways: head to head, with you managing your team vs. the computer,
or with the computer controlling both teams. It is the responsibility of each GM/OWNER to see that the
proper rosters, lineups, special instructions, and pitching rotations, are sent to league offices before the
start of the next month. It is up to the GM / OWNER who plays the games each month to make sure all
those rotations, lineups, and special instructions are followed! [Feb 2001] Owners have until the 20th of the
following month to report any improper manager file, rotation, or instruction use to the R&G committee. The
team who failed to follow the instructions will be penalized 1000 points, and the affected player will not be
subject to overuse penalties for that particular infraction. Teams who do not report improper following of
instructions by the 20th will incur the resulting overuse penalties, if any, by the affected player(s) at the end
of the season.
[Feb 2002] Trades, export files and box scores are due by the 25th of the month. [Feb 2002] Updated stats
will be mailed/posted by the 27th of the month. Active roster changes (promote/demote) will be due by the
29th. The updated roster file will be mailed/posted on the 1st of the month, with computer managers due by
the 4th of the month. Fines will apply to late exports and box scores. If an extension is desired, a request
must be sent to the commissioner and the Rules and Gripes committee. An extension may be granted
making the deadline the 29th of the month. All games not turned in on time will be auto played and the
team fined 500 points the first time. The fine increases by 500 points with each additional occurrence. [Feb
2002] The owner will be removed from the league on the third (3rd) occurrence during a year. It is
important that you save those stats after every game and send them in to the Commissioner as soon as
possible. Do not delay in sending your box scores to your opponent right after you play a series! Also,
always keep a copy for yourself, in case of errors in compiling.
b. LEAGUE OFFICE HOLDERS
The Schwantz Baseball League office holders are: [Mar 2006] the Commissioner, the Assistant
Commissioner, and the Gripes Committee (consisting of 3 GM’s). All officers hold these positions, without
compensation until they retire, leave the league, or are voted out by 2/3 majority of the GM’s. The vote to
remove an officer requires 4 or more league owners requesting a vote of removal to the Gripes Committee.
The vote must be taken within one week of written notice to the Commissioner. Any or all officers will be
appointed by the Commissioner and voted on by league owners.

COMMISSIONER
? - The Commissioner is responsible for maintaining a semblance of order throughout the league.
Conflicts and questions will be fielded, directed, or mediated by the commissioner. [Mar 2006] When an
emergency decision is needed, the commissioner will make a decision and then take the issue to the
league for a vote when the time is available. The Commissioner is also responsible for compiling stats
and setting up the roster file each month. He has the power to auto play games, if they are late.
[Mar 2006] The Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner maintain the rules, are responsible for
proposing ballots to the league and conducting the elections. The Commissioner and Assistant
Commissioner must do all balloting. [Feb 2003] New proposals require a majority to pass while the
changing of established rules requires 2/3 of the votes received. [Feb 2000] The date of the addition or
amendment of a rule will be included in the official copy of the rules. [Mar 2006] New rules are enacted
immediately upon passing unless specifically written to be enacted at another time.

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER
Brian McDaniels - The Assistant Commissioner will fill the role of commissioner when he is
unavailable, assist the commissioner when needed and is responsible for the running of the drafts. He
will designate the dates for the drafts and oversee the course of the draft, making sure teams draft
within the allowable parameters. He also oversees trading and the use of points. [Mar 2006] The
Assistant Commissioner shares responsibilities for the rules as outlined above.

GRIPES COMMITTEE
Craig Ticalo, [2009] Mark Zebehazy and [2012] Brandt Ricker - The Gripes Committee is
responsible for fielding and deriving solutions for rule interpretations and conflicts over the course of
the season. This office consists of a chairperson and two committee members. All committee members
must discuss all inquirers to the office, with the whole body coming to a fair verdict within the intent of
the rules. [Mar 2006] When an issue involves a member of the committee, the Commissioner will
replace the member in question during deliberations on the issue.
c. STATISTICS
The book(s) used for player statistics, player usage, player salaries, and any other questions that might
arise for the playing of that season, will be determined prior to the regular season. Currently, the statistics
used are from ACTA Sports (Bill James).
d. FRANCHISE FEES
[Feb 2000] To cover any costs that may arise for the league, a vote will be taken. If over 2/3 of the owners
approve the expenditure, the cost will be split evenly among the owners. If an owner’s portion of the fee is
not paid within 60 days, they will not be allowed to participate in the draft. The owner’s roster will be frozen
and no trades will be allowed. At this time, the league has a right to take a vote on assigning the team to a
new owner who agrees to pay the fee. A 2/3 majority is required to approve the change.
e. OWNERSHIP OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the owner’s obligation to correctly handle the game playing by computer. This means you must
purchase or have the following items:

a computer with internet access

an approved version of the computer game with last year’s stats disk for use with the official league file.
Owners are responsible to get all box scores and compiled stats into the Commissioner. Owners are also
responsible for the posting of lineups, roster changes and instructions, and the timely playing of games for
each month as well as the setting of emergency instructions, a year long pitching rotation, assigning of
player contracts at the beginning of the season. [Feb 2002] A team that does not submit an emergency
rotation for the year will be fined 500 point at the start of the month until they submit one.
Each owner must vote either yes, no, or abstain on every proposal put out for a league vote. A penalty of
500 points will be levied for each violation.
f.
CURRENT MEMBERS
Here are the current selection of farm systems and stadiums:
Team
Alcatraz Black Pelicans
Arizona Flyers
[2011] Chicago Tazmanian Devils
Detroit Falcons
Hudson Valley Canolies
[2013] Millsaps Majors
New York Underdogs
[2011] Old Bridge Titans
Farm system
Cleveland Indians
Houston Astros
[2006] Chicago Cubs
Detroit Tigers
New York Mets
[2011] Pittsburgh Pirates
Los Angeles Dodgers
[2006]Washington Nationals
[2013] Pembroke Pines Phillies
[2008] Pittsburgh Crawfords
Portsmouth Pirates
Cincinnati Reds
[2008] Tampa Bay Rays
Arizona Diamondbacks
[2013] Seattle Stormbringer
[2010] Stanford Robber Barons
Sudbury Black Sox
[2013] Seattle Mariners
[2010] Atlanta Braves
[2009] Boston Red Sox
[2010] Sunnydale Vampires
Toledo Mudhens
[2009] Miami Marlins
[2009] San Francisco Giants
Stadium
Progressive Field
Miller Park
[2016] Wrigley Field
Comerica Park
Citi Park
[2013] Oakland Coliseum
Yankee Stadium
[2016] US Cellular (Coors Field
in 2017)
[2006] Great American Ballpark
[2008] PNC Park
[2007] AT&T Field (Fenway
Park in 2017)
[2015] Safeco Field
[2010] Target Field
PETCO Park (Kaufman Stadium
in 2017)
[2006] Minute Maid Park
[2006] Rangers Ballpark
g. CHEATING
As always there are temptations to cheat. There are ways to alter the outcome of any given game. No one
can prevent someone who is determined to cheat. However, when you invest so much time and passion
into a team, we find it unthinkable for someone to deliberately cheat us out of deserved victories. Please do
not deprive the league of its integrity. Thank You!
h. STADIUMS AND FARM TEAMS
If you wish to change your stadium, you must notify the commissioner. You will get your new stadium at the
start of the first season after a one year waiting period. This is to prevent owners from tailoring their
stadium to their team each year.
[Feb 2001] Owners who have had their current farm system for at least 5 years can request to the
commissioner to change their farm system at the beginning of a new season. For that season, the team will
continue to receive rookies and prospects from their current system. During the next season, the team will
receive the rookies and prospects from the new system.
[Mar 2006] New owners entering the league may choose a new farm system at the start of their first full
season. They will continue to receive rookies from the current farm system. The rookies in the new farm
system are still available to everyone in the general draft. However, the owner gets possession of
prospects in the new farm system immediately. The team is not able to protect any prospects from the old
farm system and the old farm system is immediately available in the general draft.
i.
LEAGUE PROTESTS
All protests must be e-mailed or put in writing to the Commissioner’s Office within 48 hours of the
complaint. All cases will be reviewed and answered, either by e-mail or phone. You and the other owner
will be notified of a decision within 48 hours. If you lose the decision your franchise will be penalized 100
points, and whatever additional penalties deem necessary by the Commissioner & Rules Committee. All
decisions can be appealed to the league for a vote.
j.
DESIGNATED HITTER
This a DH league and will remain so unless a vote is taken to change it. It would take a 2/3 majority to do
so.
k. ALL-STAR GAME
Every year, each team will vote for players on the official league all-star ballot. At the beginning of May,
each team will nominate a player from each infield position, one catcher, a DH, and 2 outfielders from his
roster. The pitchers will be selected by the managers of last year’s World Series. Ballots will be posted on
the web site and tabulated by June 24th. The official game will be announced at the beginning of the
season. The All Star team, which will be announced prior to July 1st, must have at least one representative
from each SBL team.
l.
UNCOVERED RULES
Any rule not covered in the bylaws will be discussed by the Commissioner and Gripes Committee. The
Commissioner will then propose a solution for the whole league to vote on. If a decision needs to be made
immediately, the Commissioner will do so and then put it up for a league vote after discussion of the rule.
m. DIVISION REALIGNMENT
[Feb 2001] In order to realign divisions a league vote must be taken. There are two conditions in which
realignment can be approved. Any realignment of teams can be approved by a league vote by a 75%
majority of votes submitted. However, realignment may still be approved if only 50% of votes submitted are
in favor. For this to happen, all teams that are to be relocated must be in favor of the proposed realignment.
2. FINANCIAL ASPECTS
a. FRANCHISE POINTS
Each team starts every season with 75,000 points. In addition, all remaining points from the previous
season and bonus points accumulated during that year will be added to your team total. You will use these
points to operate your franchise. Points are used to sign players, pay fines, used as trade bait, and all other
fees necessary to run your team.
b. BONUS POINTS
Bonus points will be awarded for different statistical categories. It will be each owner’s responsibility to
send their compiled stats to the League Commissioner before the appointed date each month. You will also
send box scores to each opponent at this time. If not, those teams will receive no bonus points for the
month.
[Feb 2003] Bonus points will be awarded in the following 20 team categories:
Batting Average
Runs Scored
Hits
Doubles
Triples
Home Runs
Runs Batted In
Stolen Bases
Errors
Walks
ERA
Wins
RPI
Complete Games
Shut Outs
Saves
Home Runs Allowed
Strike Outs
Base on Balls
Opponent BA
For each category, 100 point will be awarded for 1st, 96 for 2nd, 92 for 3rd, 88 for 4th, 84 for 5th, 80 for 6th,
76 for 7th, 72 for 8th, 68 for 9th, 64 for 10th, 60 for 11th, 58 for 12th, 56 for 13th, 54 for 14th, 52 for 15th, 50
for 16th place.
In addition, any games that involve the setting of a league or individual record should be sent directly to
League Statistician. [Feb 2000] One hundred (100) points will be awarded to the team (or teams) that set a
league record or 50 points for finishing in the top 10. Categories for the records will be determined by the
Commissioner and approved by the league.
c. PLAYOFF BONUS POINTS
[Feb 2001] Teams making it to the playoffs will receive 250 bonus points. The winners of the 1st round will
receive an additional 500 bonus points. Winners of the 2nd round win an additional 750 bonus points. The
World Series winner gets an additional 500 bonus points. Thus, the World Series winner would receive a
total of 2000 points while the runner up would get 1500 points.
d. HARD SALARY CAP
At no time during the current year can your team have a negative number of points. You must be able to
account for all players on your roster. When you trade a player you will reimbursed for that player for the
remainder of the year. Likewise, you must pay for the remainder of the year for any players you acquire.
For this purpose, 20% of the salary is paid April 1, another 20% on May 1, another 20% on June 1, another
20% on July 1 and the final 20% on August 1. For any future years, you cannot commit to more than
75,000 points plus the number of points remaining in the current year.
3. PLAYER USAGE RULES
a. MINIMUMS
No players may be used in an SBL league game unless they have more than 100 PA or 25 IP in actual
stats for the current season.
b. POSITION USAGE
Players may play at any position they are rated at by Strat-O-Matic. He may play these positions in any
combination that you should choose. However, a position player may only be used for up to 110% of his
plate appearances. [Mar 2006] The percent usage is based upon plate appearances as it appears in the
game. For this purpose the game defines PA as AB+ BB. Players may be played out of position, if all
available players have been used, except catchers who can only catch. Also, no position player may pitch
and no pitcher may play any other position. Players playing out of position should occur only in an
emergency.
c. PITCHER USAGE
There are three categories for pitchers.

A starter is any player who has started more games than pitched in relief, and has no more than 4 relief
appearances. Starting pitchers which Strat-O-Matic has designated with an asterisk (*) must rest 3
days between starts, while all other starters must rest 4 days between starts. [Feb 2002] Starting
pitchers can start 110% of actual games started up to 36 games started. [Dec 2005] In other words, no
pitcher may start more than 36 games per season in the SBL.

A reliever is any pitcher who has started fewer games than relieved, and has started less than 5
games. A reliever may pitch up to [2014] 120% of innings pitched. No reliever may pitch in more than 3
consecutive days straight.

A starter/reliever is any pitcher who has started at least 5 times and relieved at least five times in the
same season. They may only pitch up to 110% of their actual total IP and start up to his actual number
of games started.

[2015] Each team may designate up to 2 starters who have not pitched in relief, during an MLB season,
as long relievers during the SBL season. However, you may only carry one on your active 25-man
roster. Long relievers may be used up to 50% of their actual innings pitched.
d. PENALTIES FOR ABUSE OF PLAYER USAGE RULES
If a player is over 110% usage rule or misused in any other way, the penalty is as follows:

For teams with only one player overused less than 120%, that player is ineligible for the playoffs and a
500 point penalty assessed to that team. [2014] Also their first round draft pick moves to the end of the
round. If the team does not have a first round draft pick, the team is fined an additional 1000 points
instead. If more than 1 team moves to the end of a round, it would go in reverse order of record. Teams
with better records draft behind lower teams.

For teams with more than one player overused less than 120%, those players are ineligible for the
playoffs. You will pay 500 points for 1 player plus an additional 1000 points for 2 players overused,
1500 points for three players, etc. [2014] The team’s draft picks will be moved to the end the first round
in the draft for the first player, the end of the second round for the second player, the end of the third
round for the third player and so on. If the team does not have a draft pick in the designated round, the
team is fined an additional 1000 points instead.

For those teams that are in violation two or three years in a row, [2014] they lose their first round draft
pick and are moved to the end of every round they draft. [2014] If the team does not have a first round
draft pick, the team is fined an additional 1000 points instead. Penalties for points will be doubled (1000
points - 1st player, 2000 points- 2nd player, etc.). If the team is in violation 3 years in a row, the Gripes
Committee will discuss removal of the owner from the league and possibly put it to a league vote.

Any player overused more that 120% will become an unrestricted free agent immediately. In addition,
that team will be penalized, 2500 points per player, and will buy out the remaining years on his contract
plus the 250 points for the option year if applicable.
4. CONTRACTS AND SALARIES
a. PLAYER TYPES

Prospects are players who have less than 100 career plate appearances for position players [2015]
and 30 career innings pitched for starters and relievers. Prospects may not play in any games
during the season. In order to have a prospect, you must have between 30 and 40 players [Mar
2006] who are eligible to play in a SBL game and afford the prospect. [Feb 2001] Teams are
allowed a maximum of 5 prospects on their roster at any time. These prospects can be acquired
through several means including your farm system, the general draft, trades, and the waiver wire.
These acquisitions are not restricted except during the general draft. During the general draft,
teams may only pick a maximum of 2 prospects from the available draft pool up to a maximum of 5
total prospects on your roster. [March 2009] Prospects in a SBL controlled farm systems are
considered frozen from October 31st and April 1st of the following year. Any player signed by a
major league team that is a controlled SBL farm system between November 1st and April 1st AND
who has not played in SBL controlled farm system, shall be eligible to be drafted in the SBL
general draft. Players signed to a major league team that is not a SBL controlled farm system shall
be eligible for the general draft.

Rookies are players who are carded for the first time with over the minimum PA/IP. Rookies are subject
to the player usage rules.

Veterans are players who have been over the minimum PA/IP for more than one year. Veterans are
also subject to the player usage rules.
b. PLAYER CONTRACTS
All players must be signed to a contract at the beginning of each season in order to be eligible to play that
year. Prospects and rookies may only be signed to one-year contracts. When the contract expires, you
have the option to resign them without the player going through free agency. Veterans may be signed to a
1, 2 or 3 year contract with or without an option. At the end of a veteran contract, the player becomes:

a restricted free agent if signed to a contract with an option year

an unrestricted free agent if signed to a contract without an option year
c. RENEGOTIATING
You may resign a player to a new contract, if and only if the player is already signed to a 3 year deal with
an option year. This can only be done at the end of year two. You must pay that player his actual statistical
salary or his current signed salary (WHICHEVER is HIGHER) plus 25% in the first year. He will then
receive a 15% raise in year two; followed by a 10% raise in the third year of the new contract. The contract
may or may not include an option year. If there is no option year on the contract, you may not extend that
contract in future years. However, if you have included an option year on the new contract, you may extend
it again, at the end of the second year of the new pact.
d. PLAYERS SALARIES
The league minimum salary for veterans will be 500 points, regardless of his stats. All rookies must be at
least 250 points and all prospects will be paid 125 points. The salaries are calculated on a spreadsheet.
Only the final salary is rounded up or down. [Feb 2001] The only exception to calculated salary is if the
player falls under the Canseco rule.
e. CANSECO RULE
[Feb 2001] The Canseco Rule covers all non-prospect players not currently under contract who did not
meet minimum requirements for a card (100PA or 25IP) for this season. Any player who falls into this
category can only be signed to a one year contract, with option, at the league minimum. [Mar 2011] They
do not go into the free agent draft. [Mar 2006] Players coming out of a rookie contract who did not qualify
for SBL play per the Canseco rule may only be signed to a second rookie contract at the league minimum
(500 points). This can only be done once per player. If the player qualifies for the Canseco rule in the 3rd
year, that player is treated as a veteran.
f.
INSURANCE POLICY
[Mar 2011] If a player under contract (a V contract of 2 or 3 year duration with at least 1 year remaining)
suffers injury(ies) during the MLB season that limits his playing time, a team can choose to enact an
insurance policy that will not remove him from the 40 man roster, but will render him unusable during the
SBL season. The cost shall be as follows: Player missing 81-120 MLB games: team pays only 50% of
guaranteed salary for the current season; Player missing 120-162 MLB games: team pays only 25% of
guaranteed salary for the current season; Players missing for less than 81 MLB games are not eligible.
g. ROSTER REQUIREMENTS
When finishing up your 40 man roster, you must have enough players to cover every position for the entire
season. That might mean drafting players you might not want on your team. This rule pertains to each team
right after the annual drafts each year. You should come away from the drafts with all of your positions
filled, and each team will have a 5 man rotation with starters getting 3-4 days rest between scheduled
starts. So draft wisely!
h. POSITION PLAYERS

Add 1 point for each of these categories: OB%, total bases (hits plus doubles plus 2x triples plus 3x
homeruns), runs produced (RBI + RS - HR) and 2 points for SLG%.

Take the total of all these categories and add them together. That number will become his stats figure.

Take the players plate appearances (AB + TBB + HBP) and divide that number by 502. That number
will be used as the usage factor.

Take the usage factor and multiply it by the stats figure to arrive at the performance salary.

The base salary and bonus points will be added to the performance salary to arrive at the player’s final
salary.

Base salary: 500 for a veteran or 250 for a rookie.
BONUS POINTS
Batting average
.275 - .285 =+150 Points
.286 - .299 =+200
.300 - .314 =+300
.315 - .333 =+400
.334 - OVER =+500
Homeruns
21 - 25 =+150 Points
26 - 30 =+200
31 - 39 =+300
40 - 49 =+400
50+ HR's=+500
Stolen bases
20 - 29 =+150 Points
30 - 39 =+200
40 - 59 =+300
60 - 75 =+400
76+ SB's=+500
Follow this example for Ryne Sandberg in 1992:
Category
OB%
SLG%
Total bases
Run produced
Stats figure
Plate appearances
Usage factor
Performance salary
Veteran
BA bonus (.304)
HR bonus (26)
SB bonus (17)
Final Salary
i.
Value
371
1020
312
161
1864
680
1.35
2516.4
500
300
200
0
3516
STARTERS & STARTER/RELIEVERS
Points are added together from all of these categories to make up the stats figure.
25 points X (IP - hits)^
15 points X wins
15 points X complete games
15 points X shut outs
10 points X saves
^=NO NEGATIVE NUMBERS!
5 points X (K - TBB)^
3 points X games started
500 divided by ERA
250 divided by WHIP (hits + total walks)/IP

Then take the pitcher’s games played & games started add them together and then divide that number
by 64. That number will be used as the usage factor.

Take the usage factor and multiply it by the stats figure to arrive at the performance salary.

The base salary and bonus points will be added to the performance salary to arrive at the player’s final
salary.

Add 500 points for veterans and 250 points for rookies plus:
BONUS POINTS
ERA
0.00 - 1.50 = +500 Points
1.51 - 1.99 = +400
2.00 - 2.49 = +300
2.50 - 2.99 = +200
3.00 - 3.99 = +100
WHIP
0.00 - 0.99 = +500 Points
1.00 - 1.10 = +400
1.11 - 1.20 = +300
1.21 - 1.30 = +200
1.31 - 1.40 = +100
Follow this example for Greg Maddux in 1992:
Category
IP-hits (67)
Wins (20)
Complete Games (9)
Shutouts (4)
Saves (0)
Value
1675
300
135
60
0
K-TBB (129)
Games started (35)
500/ERA (2.18)
250/WHIP (1.01)
Stats figure
Games played & started
Usage factor
Performance salary
Veteran
ERA bonus
RPI bonus
Final salary
j.
645
105
229.357
247.524
3396.882
70
1.093
3715.338
500
300
400
4915
RELIEF PITCHERS
[Mar 2011] Points are added together from all these categories to make up the stats figures.
20 points X (IP - hits)^
5 points X wins
10 points X saves
^=NO NEGATIVE NUMBERS
3 points X (K - TBB)^
200 divided by ERA
400 divided by WHIP

Take the players games played and divide that number by 67. That number will used as the usage
factor.

Take the usage factor and multiply it by the stats figure to arrive at the performance salary.

The base salary and bonus points will be added to the performance salary to arrive at the players final
salary.

Add 500 points for veterans & 250 points for rookies.
BONUS POINTS
ERA
0.00 - 1.50 = +500 Points
1.51 - 1.99 = +400
2.00 - 2.49 = +300
2.50 - 2.99 = +200
3.00 - 3.49 = +100
WHIP
0.00 - 0.99 = +500 Points
1.00 - 1.10 = +400
1.11 - 1.20 = +300
1.21 - 1.30 = +200
1.31 - 1.40 = +100
Here is an example for Dennis Eckersley in 1992.
Category
IP-hits (18)
Wins (7)
Saves (51)
K-TBB (82)
200/ERA (1.91)
400/RPI (0.9125)
Stats figure
Games played
Usage factor
Performance salary
Veteran
ERA bonus
WHIP bonus
Value
360
35
510
246
104.712
438.356
1694.068
69
1.029
1743.196
500
400
500
SAVES
45+ = +500 Points
35 - 44 = +400
25 - 34 = +300
15 - 24 = +200
01 - 14 = +100
Saves bonus
Final salary
500
3643
5. DRAFTS
a. ANNUAL OFFSEASON DRAFTS
All drafts are held at the conclusion of the season after the World Series. These drafts are designed to
allow teams to pick up players not normally available to them. Before each draft, the Assistant
Commissioner will announce the dates for the drafts. He will also release the list of unrestricted and
restricted free agents. The Assistant Commissioner will expand on any special rules for the drafts and will
put the issues up for a league vote.
b. EXPANSION DRAFT
To be held prior to all other drafts if the league decides to expand. The Assistant Commissioner will name
the date, and the league will vote on the rules of the draft. i.e. - how many teams, how picks are selected,
protected lists, etc.
c. RESTRICTED / UNRESTRITED FREE AGENT DRAFTS
[Feb 2002] The Restricted and Unrestricted Free Agent Drafts will be held simultaneously.
The procedure for the Restricted Free Agent draft is as follows. You can bid on as many free agents as
your budget will allow. For this purpose, prospects and rookies do not count against the cap, restricted free
agents count for 250 points apiece, and other veterans count for one year’s salary. [2010] All teams must
meet salary cap requirements with their final decisions following the RFA bidding.
Before the Restricted Free Agent draft, you must decide whether you will exercise the option year for each
player whose contract has expired and has an option. You have one of 3 choices to make:

Pick up the option for 1 year at his contracted salary + 10%. After that one year extension the player
becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Buy out the player’s option by paying 250 points. This removes the player from your roster and makes
the player an unrestricted free agent.

Allow the player to enter the Restricted Free Agent draft.
[Feb 2002] The drafts will last for 3 days. Your bid can be for 1, 2, or 3 years with or without an option. You
may bid on any player during the first two days as long as your bid is higher than the last posted bid. The
total bid value is defined as years of contract times salary plus 250 if there is an option. Bids will be
updated each night at midnight CST on the web site. On the final day, you may only bid on players that you
have previously bid on. Once the bidding is closed, the original team must decide upon its course of action.
They have 24 hours to:

Offer that player a new "multi-year" contract for either a one, two, or three years with or without an
option year as long as the total value is higher than the highest bid. [Feb 2002] A 15% surcharge
(based on total contract value) must be paid to the league if a matched player is traded before opening
day.

Give up their rights to the player to the highest bidder and accept compensation.

If there was no bid on a player you may sign him to a 1, 2, or 3 year contract with or without an option
or refuse to resign him by buying out his option for 250 points. If you buy out the option [Feb 2002] he
goes to the waiver wire.
The procedure for the Unrestricted Free Agent draft is as follows. Once again, you can bid on as many free
agents as your budget will allow. For this purpose, prospects and rookies do not count against the cap,
[Mar 2006] restricted free agents count for 250 points apiece, and other veterans count for one year’s
salary. [2010] All teams must meet salary cap requirements with their final decisions following the UFA
bidding.
The bid can be for 1, 2, or 3 years with or without an option. You may bid on any player during the first two
days as long as your bid is higher than the last posted bid. The total bid value is defined as years of
contract times salary plus 250 if there is an option. Bids will be updated each night at midnight CST on the
web site. On the final day, you may only bid on players that you have previously bid on. Once the bidding is
closed, the team with the highest bid value gets the player.
d. ARBITRATION
You may also offer a player salary arbitration with a pay cut of up to 50% on his actual salary for that
season. All contracts signed by players for a cut in pay, will be for one year with or without an option year.
However, you may only match an offer by another team that includes a pay cut. If another team signs a
player to a contract without a pay cut, you lose that player with no compensation at all. If that player is
offered a contract with a cut in pay, and you wish not to match that offer, you will get a fifth round draft pick
or 250 points. This is done during the restricted free agent draft.
e. COMPENSATION
[Feb 2001] For each restricted free agent a team loses they will receive a draft pick in return. That pick will
not come from the team that signed your player. It will just be awarded to your team to be used at the end
of a designated round. The draft pick you receive is based on the players bid price. The higher the salary,
the higher the pick you receive. You may always take 500 points in lieu of the draft pick. This decision must
be made at the end of the restricted free agent draft.
f.

Players whose salary is 10000 points or better receive a 1st and 2nd round pick.

Players whose salary is between 6000 and 9999 points receive a 1st round pick.

Players whose salary is between 3000 & 5999 points receive a 2nd round pick.

Players whose salary is between 1500 & 2999 points receive a 3rd round pick.

Players whose salary is less than 1500 points receive a 4th round draft pick.
GENERAL DRAFT
The last draft is the general draft. You can draft unprotected players that are not on a team. Each team
drafts round by round, until the rosters are filled, you run out of points, or the team passes on its selections.
The order of selection in this draft is determined by the previous year’s winning percentage [2016] with the
team winning the World Series getting the last pick. In case of a tie, head to head competition will be the
tiebreaker. The team losing the HTH competition will pick first. [Feb 2002] In the event HTH competition
does not break the tie, the team with the fewest number of bonus points for the season would pick first.
Your first five (5) draft picks may be traded or sold for points. Any picks after round five may be traded only
within that year’s draft. A list of available players will not be released.
6. TRANSACTIONS
a. ROSTER CHANGES
Most managers want to create the best situation for their teams when the computer manages them.
Although everyone understands this, there are times when a manager’s request resembles complex
programming routines. Please try to keep it as simple as possible. All roster moves & changes must be
sent to the Commissioner before the beginning of the month. The Commissioner will be the only one to
change the league files during the season. Do not CHANGE any 25-man rosters once you get the official
file at the start of each month. If you find an error, notify the Commissioner right away, as he is the only one
who can change those files.
b. TRADES
Trades can be made every day of the year with the exception of draft days. You will be allowed to trade up
to one hour before the draft. Trading resumes after the draft is finished. Trades made during the season
and before the 25th of each month will take effect on the first of the next month. When a trade is made both
teams must notify the Commissioner, and the Assistant Commissioner, by e-mail or phone within 48 hours.
Once all conditions are met the deal is final. The trade will be reported on the official SBL web site. Please
do not make a habit of canceling trades. Once a trade is made and is reported it is irreversible under
normal circumstances. Any unusual cases will be reviewed by the Commissioner and Gripes Committee for
a final decision. The following rules must be followed when making trades.

Only draft picks from the current year and draft picks from the first 5 round of next year’s draft may be
traded.

Only points from the current year may be traded.

There are player to be named later trades.
c. RELEASING PLAYERS
If you cut a player after the free agent draft but before September 1st, you will only have to pay the current
year’s salary, 50% of all remaining years on the contract and 250 points if there is an option. [Apr 2005]
The player goes on the waiver wire. If he is picked up by another team, you will no longer be obligated to
pay the remaining years of his salary. You only pay for the current year and 250 points for the option. His
new club picks up the balance of the contract at his actual rate, or actual statistical salary (whichever is
lower).
For cuts made at any other time, you will have to pay all the remaining years on his contract plus the 250
point option buy out. Any time you release a player under contract, or whose option year is not picked up;
he automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent. If this player is not signed in the Free Agent Draft he
will then be available in the General Draft. You are still obligated to pay this player the balance of his full
salary if he is not picked up by another team. This includes the 250 points if signed to an option year. If the
player is signed by another team, you pay the difference of his contract with your team, and the contract
signed by his new club for the current year only.
d. WAIVER WIRE
The waiver wire runs from the end of the free agent draft through the end of September. A list of players on
the waiver wire will be released at the beginning of the month. If you wish to claim a player, send your
request to the Assistant Commissioner in order of preference. The team that waived the player may not
reclaim him. Players picked up during the season are already signed to a contract. Be aware that by
claiming a player off waivers, you assume the balance of that player’s contract. [April 2004] Even if a player
has not been on a team previously, you are only responsible for his remaining salary.

Player selection is done on a round by round basis. You may only claim one player per round. The
order of the selection is the reverse of the standings from the previous month (for the first month, the
reserve of last year’s standings will be used).

If you claim a player you must pay the team that waived the player 50 points for prospects, 75 points
for rookies, or 100 points for a veteran.

Those players which remain then go into the general draft, and can be selected by the team that
originally waived him, or any other team as the draft goes on. If the player is a prospect and is not
claimed, that prospect goes back into the farm system he is currently with in Major League Baseball.
e. EXPANDED ROSTERS
All active rosters can be expanded after September 1, from 25 to 40 players. Only carded players may be
added, and you cannot have more than 15 pitchers on the active roster.
7. PLAYOFFS
a. PLAYOFF FORMAT
There are currently 2 conferences and 2 divisions. The division winners and the next 2 teams with the best
records in each Conference participate in the playoffs. [Oct 2001] If two teams are tied for a playoff spot, a
one game series will be played to determine the playoff contender. All series are best of seven games.
Home field advantage always goes to the team that finished higher in the standings [Oct 2005] (better
record). If tied in the standings, the team with a better divisional record will host the round. If still tied, head
to head record will determine it. As a last resort we will flip a coin. The visiting team always has the choice
on how to play the game, head to head, etc. There will be one day off to start the opening round of the
playoff and one day off between all series. [Feb 2003] All series are a 2 – 3 – 2 format with one day off after
the second and fifth games. Regardless of the number of games played in the series, the next series will
not start until after the seventh game was scheduled.

In round one, the top division winner in each conference will face the lowest wild card team, with the
other two teams facing off as well

In round two, the round one winners compete for the Conference Championship

The World Series stars the winners from round two. The team with the best record hosts the series.
b. POSTSEASON ROSTERS
Rosters will be frozen at the end of August. Trades will be allowed after this date, but those players will not
be permitted to play in the playoffs. The postseason roster is set as of this date. [Feb 2000] Only players
who have appeared on the 25 man roster prior to September 1st may be used in the playoffs. This includes
trades made by the August 23rd deadline.
c. POSITION PLAYERS
Position players will be limited to 10% of their compiled stats for each series.
d. PITCHERS
During the playoffs you may go to a four man rotation. Only starters with over 24 compiled starts and 225
IP may pitch 3 games in a series. The fourth starter must start at least once in a seven game series. The
fifth starter may relieve if desired. Relief pitchers will be limited to 15% of his compiled innings pitched for
that series, whether he starts or relieves. Remember that no relief pitcher may appear in more than 3
straight games.
e. PLAYOFF TIMELINE
[Feb 2003] [Feb 2001] After the playoff files for each round are sent out, teams will be required to complete
a playoff series within 1 week. The commissioner can grant exceptions to this rule if he receives a written
request before the 1 week deadline. Series not completed within the 1 week deadline will fall under the
following provisions:

Each team will be given 1 week after the deadline to play his home games against HAL, using the
manager file sent out with the playoff files. The commissioner will compile these games and determine
the winner of the series. If an owner feels that the opposing owner has not made an effort to complete
the series, he can send a request to the R&G committee to rule on how the playoff series should be
finished.

Any games not played within the 1-week timeframe listed above will be auto-played by the
commissioner.